
Geological history of Antarctica
Antarctica's geological history spans hundreds of millions of years, originally part of ancient supercontinents like Gondwana. Over time, tectonic forces caused the landmass to drift southward and break apart, leading to the formation of the continent as we know it. Its thick ice sheets began accumulating around 34 million years ago, shaping its current landscape. Beneath the ice, there is a complex geology with mountain ranges, volcanic activity, and ancient rock formations. This geological past influences Antarctica’s climate, ice dynamics, and potential natural resources, making it a key area for understanding Earth's history and climate change.